Derwent River Big Swim

09/05/2026

Well done John Dover huge effort

John Dover just completed a 6 hour qualifying swim in 13.5 - 14.5 degree water in preparation for an epic triathlon event that includes the English Channel. Congratulations John, you showed us today that you have what it takes!! Best of luck!!🤞👍🏊‍♀️🛥️😎

27/04/2026

🌊🌊❄️The DRBS congratulates Solo Swimmer Bronagh Marley who on the 26 April 2026 completed the 34km Marathon Derwent River Big Swim. 💪💪

🕑 Official time: 7hrs 54min 32sec
🎖 Category : Solo Swimmer
🚤 Vessel: Meow
🧭 Pilot: Val Kalmikovs

🌡Conditions

💧Water Temperature : 12.7/ 14.7
❄️ Air Temperature: 10.9 / 15.0
💨 Wind speed: 0 / 10kmh

Bronagh was the DRBS last swimmer for the 2025/2026 season. Bronagh had mostly sub 15c temperatures to compete with on her amazing swim.

Bronagh was piloted bu Val Kalmikovs and had Michael O'Connor and Wendy and Connor Marley has crew support to assist Bronagh to the finish line.

Such a big effort Bronagh and again congratulations on your future ambitions.

Keppel Islands Swimming Association
Marathon Swimming Australia
4 Bridges to Lighthouse
World Open Water Swimming Association
Open Water Swimming Tasmania

27/04/2026

🌊🌊The DRBS congratulates solo swimmer Anthony Newton who on the 23 April 2026 completed the 34km Marathon Derwent River Big Swim. 💪💪

🕑 Official time: 7hrs 56min 57sec
🎖 Category: Solo Swimmer
🚤 Vessel: Meow
🧭 pilot: Val Kalmikovs

🌡Conditions

💧Water Temperatures: 12.4 / 14.7
❄️ Air Temperature: 12.8/ 15.2
💨 Wind speed: 0/ 15km

Anthony was the DRBS second last swimmer for the season. Anthony had some very challenging water temperatures with lows of 12.4c and a high at 14.7c..

What a massive effort Anthony in such trying conditions. A huge shout out to the amazing piloting from Val Kalmikovs and to Aaron Ellis for supporting Anthony on his journey. 👏👏

Keppel Islands Swimming Association
Marathon Swimming Australia
4 Bridges to Lighthouse
Open Water Swimming Tasmania
Vladswim

25/04/2026

The DRBS team introduces solo swimmer Bronagh Marley who will be the DRBS last swimmer for this season. Tomorrow the 26th April 2026 Bronagh will attempt to complete the 34km marathon Derwent River Big Swim.

Bronagh will be piloted by Val Kalmikovs from . Bronagh has a lovely start time of 0130 tomorrow morning from the New Norfolk Bridge New Norfolk.

To follow Bronagh for Sunday click on the link below.

https://maps.findmespot.com/s/FSBJ


Keppel Islands Swimming Association
4 Bridges to Lighthouse

22/04/2026

The DRBS welcomes solo swimmer Anthony Newton who on the 22 April 2026 will attempt to complete the 34km marathon Derwent River Big Swim.

Anthony will have a lovely 10:30pm start time from the New Norfolk Bridge at New Norfolk. Anthony will be in the capable piloting hands of Val Kalmikovs from .

The DRBS teams wishes Anthony and his crew the best of luck with tonight's swim.

To follow Anthony click on the link below.

https://maps.findmespot.com/s/5L8C


4 Bridges to Lighthouse
Keppel Islands Swimming Association
Open Water Swimming Tasmania

02/04/2026

🌊🌊〰️ The DRBS congratulates Michael Rochford solo swimmer from Victoria on a massive swim. Officially completing the 34km Marathon Derwent River Big Swim on the 29 March 2026. 🏁🏁👑

🕑 Official Time: 8hrs 28min 07 sec

🏅 Category: Solo Swimmer
🚤 Vessel: Brum
🧭 Pilot : Heath Watts

🌡Conditions

💧 Water Temperature: 15.6- 16.7
🌤 Air: 9.6 - 18.6
💨 Wind : 0 - 20 kmp

💪Massive team effort from all and especially to Heath Watts from Watts Swimming Piloting Services for his superior piloting and from Mick's support crew Nicholas Nelson.

Michael what a fantastic effort 💪💪 and inspirational for those openwater swimmers wanting to challenge themselves.

Watts Swim Piloting
Marathon Swimming Australia
4 Bridges to Lighthouse
World Open Water Swimming Association

29/03/2026

🌊🌊 The DRBS is thrilled to congratulate 🎊 solo swimmer Ranie Pearce from California USA on an amazing swim, officially completing the 34km Marathon Derwent River Big Swim on the 29th of March 2026. 🏁🏁✅️

🕑Official Time: 9h 39m 16s

🏅Category: Solo
🚤 Vessel: Meow
🧭Pilot : Val Kalmikovs

🌡Conditions

Water temperature: 15.9 - 17.1
🌤 Air temperature: 7.5 - 19.1
💨 Wind speed: 0- 18kph

🙏😊A huge thanks to Val Kalmikovs for his amazing piloting skills and to Peter Tucker and Duncan Hall for being the best support crew Ranie could have. 🙏🤲

Again congratulations Ranie and thanks for swimming the DRBS.

Keppel Islands Swimming Association
Marathon Swimming Australia
World Open Water Swimming Association
4 Bridges to Lighthouse

29/03/2026

🌊🌊 The DRBS is excited to congratulate solo swimmer Jocelyn Webb who on the 28 March 2026 completed the 34km Marathon Derwent River Big Swim 🏆🏆

🕑 Official Time: 10hrs 55min 20sec
🏅Category: Solo Swimmer
🛥Vessel: Meow
🧭Pilot: Val Kalmikovs

🌡Conditions

💧Water Temperature :15.9 - 16.9
🌥Air Temperature: 8.7 - 22.2
💨 Wind speed: 0- 15kmp

💪💪What a huge effort Jocelyn and with your strong determination and attitude there was no doubt you were going to complete this mighty 34km swim.🏊‍♂️

Huge shout out to Val Kalmikovs for his magnificent piloting skills and to Maike Enghardt for helping Jocelyn with her journey to the finish line .🏁🏁

Keppel Islands Swimming Association
Marathon Swimming Australia
Open Water Swimming Tasmania
4 Bridges to Lighthouse
World Open Water Swimming Association

28/03/2026

🌊🌊The DRBS welcomes solo swimmer Michael Rochford who tomorrow the 29 March 2026 is attempting to complete the 34km marathon Derwent River Big Swim.

Mick is piloted by Heath Watts from Watts Swim Piloting. Mick will have a lovely 2:40am ish start at the New Norfolk Bridge New Norfolk. 🌁🌄

To follow Mick click on the link below:

https://maps.findmespot.com/s/Q8CN

Watts Swim Piloting


4 Bridges to Lighthouse